iPad 3G Smackdown: What's the Best Deal?

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By Jared Newman

PCWorld| PT

Now that Verizon Wireless has pledged to bundle Apple's iPad with a mobile hotspot and cut-rate 3G data plans, a little comparison is in order. After all, Verizon isn't the only company that sells mobile hotspots, and you might be able to get a better deal on contract-free 3G or even 4G coverage by taking your business elsewhere.

Starting October 28, you can get an iPad and a Verizon Mi-Fi 2200 hotspot for the same price as AT&T's 3G iPad -- $629 for 16 GB, $729 for 32 GB and $829 for 64 GB. Buyers also get a discount on contract-free 3G coverage, at $20 for 1 GB, $35 for 3GB and $50 for 5 GB. For the lowest-tier plan, each additional GB costs $20, but for the pricier plans, you only pay $10 per extra GB.

Pros: Lots of flexibility and a good rate for 5 GB, with solid coverage throughout the United States.

Cons: Early adopters and people who don't want to commit right away are out of luck. Unbundled, the Mi-Fi costs $200, and the only available plans are $40 for 250 MB and $60 for 5 GB.

In Video: Apple's iPad Coming to Verizon

3G iPad on AT&T

The iPad with AT&T 3G costs $15 per month for 200 MB or $25 per month for 2 GB. Currently, it's the only option for built-in 3G on an iPad.

Pros: No extra device to carry, far more battery life than any hotspot. (The iPad gets nine hours with 3G. Hotspots tend to last for roughly four hours.)

Cons: No hotspot or tethering means no coverage for other devices, like laptops. The 2 GB cap is weak.

Cheap 3G With Virgin

Virgin's Mi-Fi 2200 hotspot costs $150 up front -- only $21 more than the Verizon bundle. Unlimited data costs $40 per month, or you can get 100 MB across 10 days for $10.

Despite some obnoxious marketing, Clearwire's Rover brand offers good deals on 4G coverage. Like Virgin's Mi-Fi, the Rover Puck costs $150, and plans are available for $5 per day, $20 per week or $50 per month.